Arizona Parents Waited Hours To Call 9-1-1 As 9 Year Old Son Was Dying From Gunshot Wound

The parents of a 9-year-old boy who was shot in the head in their Phoenix home put off calling 911 as they cleaned up evidence in multiple rooms of the house, police said Wednesday, calling it a case that "shocks your conscience."

Wendy Lavarnia told police that her 2-year-old son found a gun on a bed and accidentally shot his older brother Monday. Police cast doubt on her story as they launched a murder investigation against the 28-year-old woman and her ex-convict husband, Kansas Lavarnia.

Police became suspicious of the mother's story when they found inconsistencies in her account and when the boy's father showed up at the home with a crudely bandaged gunshot wound on his upper arm. The wound appeared to have been punctured multiple times to camouflage the injury, possibly with a screwdriver.

Police declined to specify the mother's inconsistencies or say who they think shot the boy and his father. It's unclear whether the couple is represented by lawyers who can speak on their behalf.

Authorities said the parents delayed medical care for their son to clean up evidence in the house. Police declined to say whether they believe the boy would be alive had authorities been alerted sooner.

But a probable-cause statement filed by police says the lack of visible blood and the extent of blood residue suggested that a significant amount of time had passed before authorities were called.

"We have a 9-year-old critically wounded, shot in the head, in dire need of lifesaving efforts and care, which was delayed and not provided to this young man," police Sgt. Vince Lewis said. "It definitely shocks your conscience."

Lewis declined to specify how evidence was cleaned up in several rooms at the house.

The father's appearance at the home three hours after officers started investigating was suspicious because he was injured, Lewis said. Police say they found evidence of blood in the trunk of the vehicle that Kansas Lavarnia drove to the house.

He is accused of first-degree murder, child abuse and hindering prosecution. Wendy Lavarnia is accused of first-degree murder, court documents said. Prosecutors have not yet charged the couple.